Tiller with removable battery

ABSTRACT

A tiller constructed in accordance to the present teachings includes a frame, a drive mechanism, and a tilling implement. The drive mechanism can be supported by the frame and include a motor having an output member. The tilling implement can have a drive shaft that is driven by the output member. The tilling implement can comprise a first tine plate and a second tine plate that are both selectively configurable along the drive shaft at a plurality of positions and orientations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/081,631 filed Apr. 7, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/540,939 filed on Aug. 13, 2009, now U.S. Pat.No. 7,963,344, issued on Jun. 21, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/093,918, filed on Sep. 3, 2008. Theentire disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to tillers and more specifically to acordless electric tiller.

BACKGROUND

Due to concerns regarding urban air pollution, as well as other factors,electric outdoor power equipment has been gaining in popularity.Moreover, due to the inconveniences and operating limitations of cordedelectric outdoor power equipment, battery operated equipment may bepreferred. However, such electric and/or battery operated tillers canhave drawbacks.

By way of example, some of these drawbacks can be associated with thefunctionality of the battery. Such drawbacks can include insufficientbattery life, and inconvenient battery manipulation (i.e., such asduring installation and removal of the battery from the tiller.

SUMMARY

A tiller constructed in accordance to the present teachings includes aframe, a drive mechanism, and a tilling implement. The drive mechanismcan be supported by the frame and include a motor having an outputmember. The tilling implement can have a drive shaft that is driven bythe output member. The tilling implement can comprise a first tine platethat is selectively configurable along the drive shaft at a plurality ofpositions and orientations.

According to additional features, the tiller can further comprise asecond tine plate. The first tine plate can define a first body and aplurality of first tines. The second tine plate can define a second bodyand a plurality of second tines. The first tines can extend at an anglerelative to the first body. The second tines can extend at an anglerelative to the second body. The first tine plate can define a first huband the second tine plate can define a second hub. The first tines canextend at an angle generally toward the first hub and the second tinescan extend at an angle generally toward the second hub.

According to other features, the first and second hubs can define acentral passage formed therethrough that slidably accept the drive shaftin the installed position. The central passages of the first and secondhubs can both define a flat that cooperatively aligns with a flat formedalong the drive shaft in the installed position. Each of the first andsecond hubs can define an aperture that cooperatively aligns with one ofa plurality of apertures formed along the drive shaft. A pin can beselectively located through the respective apertures for locating thefirst and second tine plates at a plurality of positions along the driveshaft. The first and second hubs can be configured for assembly in afirst position wherein the first and second plurality of tines areoriented in a generally inboard direction and in a second positionwherein the first and second plurality of tines are oriented in agenerally outboard direction. In the first and second positions, thefirst tine plate can be positioned on a first side of the output member.The second tine plate can be positioned on a second side, opposite thefirst side of the output member. The output member can be centrallylocated relative to the frame.

According to still other features, the tiller can further include athird and a fourth tine plate. The third tine plate can define a thirdbody and a plurality of third tines. The fourth tine plate can define afourth body and a plurality of fourth tines. The third tines can extendat an angle relative to the third body. The fourth tines can extend atan angle relative to the fourth body. The first, second, third, andfourth tines can be selectively configurable along the drive shaft forconcurrent operation in a plurality of positions and orientations in aninstalled position. In one example, the first, second, third, and fourthtine plates are configured equivalently.

According to still other features, the tiller can further include abattery that is removably received into a receiving portion defined onthe frame. The battery supplies a current to the motor in an installedposition. The battery is positioned at a substantially centralizedlocation on the frame. The battery can be 36 volt DC. The battery candefine a generally box-like housing having a forward side, a rearwardside, an upper side, and a bottom side. A handle can be formed on theupper side. The battery can define a first mating portion that isconfigured to selectively mate with a second mating portion defined onthe tiller in the installed position. The first mating portion can beformed on the handle and can be located on the rearward side of thebox-like housing. The box-like housing can define a catch thereon. Thecatch can be configured to selectively mate with a latch formed on thereceiving portion of the frame in the installed position.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. It should be understood that the description andspecific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a battery-powered tillerconstructed in accordance with one example of the present teachings andshown with a battery in an installed position;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the battery-powered tiller of FIG.1 and shown with the battery removed;

FIG. 3 is an exploded side perspective view of the battery and batteryreceiving portion;

FIG. 4 is an exploded front perspective view of the battery and batteryreceiving portion;

FIG. 5 is a cut-away view of the battery shown installed in to thebattery receiving portion;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the battery-powered tiller of FIG.1 and showing an upright assembly according to one example;

FIG. 7 is a partial exploded perspective view of a slider assembly ofthe battery-powered tiller of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 8-10 are partial sectional views of the slider assembly of FIG. 7showing an exemplary sequence for moving the tiller from atransportation mode (FIG. 8) to a tilling mode (FIG. 10);

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of a tilling implement of thebattery-powered tiller of FIG. 1 and shown with an exemplary drag bar inan installed position;

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the tilling implement of FIG. 11and shown with the drag bar in an exploded position;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the battery-powered tiller of FIG. 1 and shownin the transportation mode;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the battery-powered tiller of FIG. 1 and shownin the tilling mode;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the battery-powered tiller of FIG. 1 and shownin a clearing mode;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the battery-powered tiller of FIG. 1 and shownin a clearing mode with the drag bar coupled thereto;

FIG. 17 is an exploded front perspective view of the tilling implementof the battery-powered tiller of FIG. 1 and shown with the tine platesin a first configuration;

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of the tilling implement and shownwith the tine plates are assembled in a second configuration;

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the tilling implement and shownwith the tine plates assembled in a third configuration;

FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the battery-powered tiller of FIG.1 and illustrating an unjamming mechanism according to one example ofthe present teachings wherein a key of the unjamming mechanism is showninserted into a first receiver during normal operation of thebattery-powered tiller;

FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the battery-powered tiller of FIG.20 and shown with the key removed from the first receiver and insertedinto the second receiver of the unjamming mechanism;

FIG. 22 is an exploded, partial cut-away view of the unjamming mechanismof FIG. 20; and

FIG. 23 is a side partial cut-away view of the unjamming mechanism ofFIG. 20 wherein the key is rotated causing the tilling implement torotate in a reverse direction and thereby free a rock from a jammedposition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With initial reference to FIGS. 1-6, a battery-powered tillerconstructed in accordance with the present teachings is shown andgenerally identified at reference numeral 10. The tiller 10 generallycomprises a frame 12 supported by a pair of wheels 14 that are connectedby way of an axle 16. The tiller 10 further includes a driving mechanism20, a tilling implement 22, and an upright assembly 24. The frame 12also defines a receiving portion 26 (FIG. 2) including a pair ofL-shaped tabs 28 (FIGS. 4 and 5) and a battery guide 29 (FIGS. 3 and 4).The receiving portion 26 is configured to receive a battery 30 in aninstalled position (FIG. 1).

The drive mechanism 20 includes a motor 34 having an output member 36.The output member 36 is connected at a first portion to the motor 34 andat a second portion to the tilling implement 22 and communicate arotational output from the motor 34 to a rotational output of thetilling implement 22. The output member 36 is configured as alongitudinal shaft that is supported at least partially by an axlesupport 40 and a gear housing 42.

The tilling implement 22, as will be discussed in greater detail herein,generally defines a plurality of tine plates (collectively referred toat reference 46) that are rotatably supported by a drive shaft (axle)48. In the example shown, the plurality of tines 46 include a first tineplate 50 a, a second tine plate 50 b, a third tine plate 50 c, and afourth tine plate 50 d.

The battery 30 according to the present teachings provides thirty-sixvolts direct current (DC). It is appreciated that the battery 30 can beconfigured to provide other voltages, such as between 12 volts and 60volts DC. One suitable battery configuration providing thirty-six voltsdirect current is discussed in commonly owned U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/048,002, entitled “Mower”, which is expresslyincorporated herein by reference. As can be appreciated, the battery 30provides a current to the motor 34 when installed for driving thetilling implement 22.

The battery 30 generally defines a free standing box-like housing 54(see FIG. 2). The housing 54 is generally defined by a forward side 56,a rearward side 58, a bottom side 60, and an upper side 62. A handle 64is located on the upper side 62 in a generally centralized locationextending upward from the housing 54. A pair of rear heels 66 aredefined on the housing 54. As will be described, the heels 66cooperatively engage the L-shaped tabs 28 (FIG. 5) in an installedposition. A first mating portion 68 is defined on the handle 64 that isconfigured to mechanically and electrically mate with a second matingportion 70 defined on the frame 12 of the battery-powered tiller 10. Thehousing 54 further includes a catch 72 formed on the forward side 56 ina location generally opposite of the first mating portion 68.

In the preferred method of securing the battery 30 to the receivingportion 26 of the battery-powered tiller 10, a user first aligns thecontour of the battery housing 54 with the guide 29 defined on the frame12. The battery 30 is then advanced downwardly (i.e., further into thereceiving portion 26) allowing the respective heels 66 to positivelyengage the L-shaped tabs 28 (FIG. 5). The catch 72 defined on thebattery 30 is then mechanically coupled with a latch 74 defined on theframe 12 at a location generally proximate to the receiving portion 26.An audible “click” can be observed by the user once sufficient rotationof the battery 30 into the receiving portion 26 causes the catch 72 tobe secured with the latch 74. An electrical connection can then beestablished by mating the portion 70 of the tiller 10 to the portion 68of the battery 30. To remove the battery 30 from the receiving portion26, a user manipulates (such as move in a downward direction as viewedin FIG. 1) the latch 74 to disengage the catch 72 of the battery 30 forremoval.

The battery 30 is located in a generally centralized location on theframe 12 above the tilling implement 22 and intermediate of the wheels14. In this way, the center of gravity of the battery 30 can beefficiently managed by an operator with the tilling implement 22 and theresultant “stance” of the wheels 14. The battery 30 can also be locatedelsewhere on the tiller 10.

With specific reference now to FIG. 6, the upright assembly 24 will bedescribed in greater detail. The upright assembly 24 defines a sliderassembly 80, a pair of longitudinal members or lower uprights 82, ahandlebar 84, a cross-member 86, and a speed control 90. A knob 92 isselectively secured to one of the lower uprights 82 for selectivelycoupling the handlebar 84 to the lower upright 82. As will described ingreater detail, the slider assembly 80 is configured to slidably actuatealong the lower uprights 82 to adjustably locate the height of thewheels 14 (i.e., relative to the ground and tilling implement 22).

With additional reference now to FIGS. 7-10, additional features of theslider assembly 80 and the lower upright 82 will be described in greaterdetail. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that while theslider assembly 80 is shown operatively associated with a tillerconfigured for electrical (battery-powered) operation, the sliderassembly 80 may be used in tillers having other configurations such asthose powered by internal combustion engines for example. In the exampleshown, the lower upright 82 defines three pair of complementary slots.More specifically, the lower upright 82 defines a pair of transportationmode slots 94, a pair of tilling mode slots 96, and a pair of clearingmode slots 98. The slots of each pair of complementary slots oppose eachother. As will be described, the slider assembly 80 is movable along thelower upright 82 to locate at the transportation mode slots 94 (such asshown in FIG. 7) for locating the wheels 14 in a transportation mode(see FIG. 13), the tilling mode slots 96 for locating the wheels 14 at atilling mode location (see FIG. 14) and the clearing mode slots 98 forlocating the wheels 14 in a clearing mode position (see FIG. 15).

Returning now to FIG. 7, the slider assembly 80 generally defines afront housing 100, a rear housing 102, a handle 104, a sliding bar 106,and a first link 108. A handle grip assembly 110 is generally defined bythe handle 104, a front gripping portion 112 defined on the fronthousing 100 and a rear gripping portion 114 defined on the rear housing102. The front housing 100 defines a pair of front channels 116 and aplurality of apertures 118. The rear housing 102 defines a pair of rearchannels 120 and a plurality of blind bores 122. The front channels 116and the rear channels 120 cooperate in an assembled position to definecomplementary sleeves for receiving the respective lower uprights 82.While not specifically shown, fasteners can be passed through therespective apertures 118 of the front housing 100 and into the blindbores 122 defined on the rear housing 102 to couple the respective frontand rear housings 100 and 102.

The handle 104 defines a finger 126 that captures a central portion ofthe sliding bar 106. The rear housing 102 includes a pair of guides 130that provide a track for guiding the sliding bar 106 into and out ofengagement with the respective slots 94, 96 and 98. In one example, thesliding bar 106 can be formed of rigid material such as stamped metal.

An exemplary method of using the slider assembly 80 will now bedescribed. Here, a user grasps the handle grip assembly 110 and urgesthe handle 104 in a generally upright direction (as viewed in FIGS.8-10). Movement of the handle 104 from an “engaged” position (i.e., witha pair of slots 94, 96 or 98) to a “disengaged” position is representedpictorially from FIG. 8 to FIG. 9. As the handle 104 is moved in theupright direction (identified by the arrow in FIG. 9), the finger 126(FIG. 7) urges the central portion of the sliding bar 106 in the sameupright direction, which ultimately reduces the operating length of thesliding bar 106 and causes the distal ends of the sliding bar 106 towithdraw from a respective slot (such as the transportation mode slots94 identified in FIG. 8).

Once the distal ends of the sliding bar 106 have been withdrawn from therespective slots (i.e., such as slots 94), a user is free to translatethe slider assembly 80 along the lower upright 82 and into alignmentwith a desired pair of slots (i.e., either of the other pair of slots 96or 98). Movement of the slider assembly 80 along the lower uprights 82ultimately causes the first link 108 to urge the wheels 14 between therespective transportation mode position (FIG. 13), tilling mode position(FIG. 14) and clearing mode position (FIG. 15). The first link 108 ispivotally secured at a first end to the slider assembly 80 by way of anaxle 132 that is nested in a portion of the rear housing 102.

With reference now to FIGS. 11 and 12, additional features of the frame12 of the battery-powered tiller 10 will be described in greater detail.The frame 12 further includes a stabilizing bar 140 that is connectedbetween a pair of second links 144. For clarity, only one of the secondlinks 144 is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The second links 144 receive thewheel axle 16 at first ends and are rotatably coupled at a pivot joint146 (FIG. 13) at an opposite end. The second links 144 can be secured tothe stabilizing bar 140 at an intermediate location. A drag bar 148 canbe adjustably secured to the stabilizing bar 140 by way of a coupler150. The coupler 150 defines a slot 152 for receiving a first end of thedrag bar 148. A peg 154 is selectively passed through various apertures158 formed in the drag bar 148 to adjust the operating height of thedrag bar 148. A pin 160 can selectively mate with the peg 154 forlocating the drag bar 148 at the desired operating position. By way ofexample, the drag bar 148 is shown in the transportation mode (FIG. 13),and the clearing mode (FIG. 16).

Of note, the lower uprights 82 and consequently the upright assembly 24as a whole defines substantially the same angle α relative to ground Gin the transportation mode (FIG. 13) and the tilling mode (FIG. 14). Inone example, α can be about 45 degrees. Other angles are contemplated.As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the angular relationship of the first link108 and the second links 144 change to alter the position of the tillingimplement 22 without changing the angular orientation of the uprightassembly 24 relative to a user. The configuration can offer astreamlined transition to the user between the transportation andtilling modes. Moreover, a user need not push down or pull up on theupright assembly 24 (i.e., in an effort to locate the tilling implement22 at a desired elevation relative to ground G) when transitioningbetween the transportation and tilling modes as may be required forother conventional tillers.

Also of note, an angle can be defined from a horizontal line that thewheels 14 engage the ground G to a line that extends through the axis ofthe tilling implement 22. This angle is represented as β and φ in FIGS.13 and 14, respectively. The angle φ in FIG. 14 can be about 0 degrees.An angle ⊖ can be defined from a horizontal line that passes along thebottom of the wheels 14 and is parallel to the ground G and a line thatextends through the axis of the tilling implement 22.

Turning now to FIGS. 17-19, the tilling implement 22 according tovarious features will be described in greater detail. Those skilled inthe art will readily appreciate that while the tilling implement 22 isshown operatively associated with a tiller configured for electrical(battery-powered) operation, the tilling implement 22 may be used intillers having other configurations, such as those powered by internalcombustion engines, for example. As identified above, the tillingimplement 22 has a plurality of tine plates 46 including the first tineplate 50 a, the second tine plate 50 b, the third tine plate 50 c, andthe fourth tine plate 50 d. Each of the tine plates 50 a-50 d areconfigured equivalently. In this way, only a description of one of thetine plates 50 d will be described herein. However, it should beappreciated that the tine plates may be configured differently. The tineplate 50 d generally defines a plurality of tines 160 d extending from acentral body 162 d. A central hub 164 d can be fixedly secured at thebody 162 d. The hub 164 d can define a passage 168 d having an axis thatis perpendicular to a plane of the central body 162 d. The passage 168 dcan be formed entirely through the tine plate 50 d. The hub 164 d alsodefines a flat portion 170 d so that the passage 168 d formed throughthe hub 164 d has a cross-section similar to the letter “D”. The tines160 d can be curved at their respective ends in a direction generallytoward the hub 164 d. The hub 164 d can define an aperture 172 d formedin a direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hub164 d.

The tilling implement 22, by way of the tilling implement drive shaft48, is operable to communicate rotational motion onto the plurality oftine plates 46 during operation. The tilling implement drive shaft 48defines a plurality of apertures 180 a, 180 b, 180 c, and 180 d formedtherethrough. The tilling implement drive shaft 48 generally includes alongitudinal bar having a flat portion 184 defined thereon. According tothe present teachings, the plurality of tine plates 46 of the tillingimplement 22 can be selectively configured in various orientations alongthe tiller drive shaft 180. For example, the configuration illustratedin FIG. 17 provides all four tine plates 50 a, 50 b, 50 c, and 50 dhaving their respective tines 160 a, 160 b, 160 c, and 160 d pointed ina generally inboard direction.

In order to secure the respective tine plates 50 a-50 d to the tillerdrive shaft 48, cotter pins 190 can be selectively secured through therespective apertures 172 a-172 d of hubs 164 a-164 d and into thecorresponding aperture 180 a-180 d formed through the tilling implementdrive shaft 48. The respective flat portions 170 a-170 d formed in thehubs 164 a-164 d can be rotatably aligned with the complementary flatportion 184 formed on the drive shaft 48 in order to properly align therespective apertures 172 a-172 d and 180 a-180 d.

In a second configuration of the tine plates 46 as illustrated in FIG.18, the tines 160 a and 160 d of the first tine plate 50 a and fourthtine plate 50 d, respectively, are oriented generally outboard, whilethe tines 160 b of the second tine plate 50 b and the tines 160 c of thethird tine plate 50 c are oriented in a direction generally inboard.Another configuration is shown in FIG. 19 where the tines 160 a of thefirst tine plate 50 a, the tines 160 b of the second tine plate 50 b,the tines 160 c of the third tine plate 50 c, and the tines 160 d of thefourth tine plate 50 d are all oriented in an outboard direction. It isappreciated that a user can simply flip a desired tine plate 50 a-50 dto orient the respective tines 160 a-160 d in either an inboard oroutboard direction. It is appreciated that the versatility of theplurality of tine plates 46 of the tilling implement 22 can offer a uservarious tilling configurations (not all shown herein) that may bedesirable according to a given tilling task. Other configurations caninclude operation with less than all four tine plates 50 a-50 d coupledto the tilling implement 22. Furthermore, because all the tine plates 50a-50 d are configured the same, a user can arbitrarily select any tineplate 50 a-50 d in sequence during assembly.

Turning now to FIGS. 20-23, a tiller unjamming mechanism of the presentteachings is shown and generally identified at reference numeral 200.The unjamming mechanism 200 generally includes a key 202, and a gearingunit 206. According to one method of operation, the key 202 is movedfrom a first receiver 210 to a second receiver 212 to activate theunjamming mechanism 200. In general, the key 202 is accepted by thefirst receiver 210 during normal operation of the battery-powered tiller10. In the event that an object, such as a rock, becomes lodged orjammed between respective tines of the plurality of tines 46, the key202 is removed from the first receiver 210 and inserted into the secondreceiver 212.

Withdrawal of the key 202 from the first receiver 210 causes the motor34 of the drive mechanism 20 to be disconnected from electricalcommunication with the battery 30. Once the key 202 is located into thesecond receiver 212, the key 202 can be pushed (i.e., in a directiontoward the second receiver 212) against a biasing force provided by abiasing member 216 and rotated in a first direction (such ascounter-clockwise for example). Rotation of the key 202 rotates agripping detail 220 extending from the gearing unit 206 of the motor 34.

The gearing unit 206 offers a mechanical advantage with the motor 34 torotate the tilling implement 22 in a reverse direction (in a directionopposite of an operating direction). In other words, multiple rotationsof the gripping detail 220, which is attached to the output member 36associated with the motor 34, can result in a single rotation of thetilling implement 22 in a reverse direction. In one exemplaryimplementation, a mechanical advantage of about one hundred twenty (120)revolutions of the output shaft 222 of the motor 34 can equal onerotation of the tilling implement 22. Other ratios are contemplated. Byrotating the tilling implement 22 in a reverse direction, the object,such as the rock, can be easily dislodged from the tilling implement 22.Once the tilling implement 22 has become free from obstruction, the key202 can be withdrawn from the second receiver 212 and returned to thefirst receiver 210 where normal battery-powered tiller operation canresume.

While the disclosure has been described in the specification andillustrated in the drawings with reference to various embodiments, itwill be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes maybe made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims.Furthermore, the mixing and matching of features, elements and/orfunctions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated hereinso that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from thisdisclosure that features, elements and/or functions of one embodimentmay be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unlessdescribed otherwise above. Moreover, many modifications may be made toadapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of thedisclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof.Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to theparticular embodiments illustrated by the drawings and described in thespecification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying outthis disclosure, but that the disclosure will include any embodimentsfalling within the foregoing description and the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for operating a tiller having a tillingimplement with a drive shaft and a set of tine plates, the set of tineplates comprising four identical tine plate structures, each tine platestructure having a plate member and a hub that is mounted to a side ofthe plate member, the plate member having a central body and a pluralityof tines that are spaced circumferentially about the central body, eachof the tines having a first portion, which extends outwardly from thefrom central body, and a second portion that extends away from thecentral body on the side of the plate member to which the hub ismounted, the method comprising: assembling the tine plate structures tothe drive shaft such that each of the hubs is disposed on an inboardside of its associated tine plate structure; removing and re-installingthe tine plate structures to the drive shaft such that each of the hubsis disposed on an outboard side of its associated tine plate structure.2. The method of claim 1, further comprising removing and re-installingat least a portion of the tine plate structures such that the hub ofeach outboard tine plate structure is disposed on an outboard side ofits associated tine plate structure and the hub of an adjacent one ofthe tine plate structures is disposed on an inboard side of itsassociated tine plate structure.
 3. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising removing and re-installing at least a portion of the tineplate structures such that the hub of each outboard tine plate structureis disposed on an inboard side of its associated tine plate structureand the hub of an adjacent one of the tine plate structures is disposedon an outboard side of its associated tine plate structure.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein assembling the tine plate structures to thedrive shaft comprises: sliding the tine plate structures onto the driveshaft; and inserting a pin through each hub and through the drive shaftto axially fix the tine plate structures along the drive shaft.